Food, wine, travel

SPOTLIGHT: The Italian Scroppino

I thought I had tried pretty much every type of drink going, or at least heard of the ones I hadn’t. But the Scroppino is a new one on me.

A venetian speciality, the Scroppino is made with lime ice, vodka and prosecco and has a creamy texture similar to a Pina Colada, but without the sweet coconut and rum and instead a refreshing zest of lime.

I came across the Monte Scroppino Originale, a brand of the cocktail made in the Venetian tradition, while at Gossip – an Italian restaurant on Poole Quay in Dorset. While I might be late to the party, it was the first time I had come across the drink which is surprising given that its roots stretch back to ancient Venice. In the Italian tradition the schroppino is served as an after dinner drink or dessert, but I think it would also make a great aperitif or summer drink. The creamy ice cream quality of the frozen lime ice gives it a decadent feel and when combined with vodka and a touch of bubbles make for a very unique drink. As a brand, the 7.8% Monte Scroppino is currently only available in selected bars and restaurants, but looks like it could be on a mission to expand.

Now, aware of sounding like a bit of a brand ambassador, I had a go at creating my own version of the drink without the aid of a mechanical ice churner or knowing the exact measures used in the drink. Here is what I came up with for making at at home version of this drink.

THE AT-HOME SCROPPINO

(This makes 1 drink, so adjust accordingly)

About 4 ice cubes, crushed.

One scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream

15ml measure of vodka

30ml measure of prosecco

Squeeze of lime

Put a champagne flute in the freezer.

Using a blender crush some ice and add a scoop of ice cream.

Pour in the vodka and squeeze in the juice of half a lime and blend into a smooth mixture.

Pour into a glass.

Top with prosecco and stir gently with a cocktail stirrer.

Serve in a frosted champagne flute.

Besides its drinks menu, the food at Gossip is also delicious. It is a brilliant Italian which overlooks Poole Quay and its harbour. On this visit, I chose one of their specialities, Pollo Gossip – a pasta dish with pan fried chicken, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms in a cream sauce, with spaghetti served in the same sauce, and topped with fresh parma ham.